Power plant cutbacks dismay Ohio Lake Erie birders

CLEVELAND - Reduced operations at two Ohio power plants have fishermen and bird watchers anticipating a poor winter along Lake Erie.

CLEVELAND - Reduced operations at two Ohio power plants have fishermen and bird watchers anticipating a poor winter along Lake Erie.

The coal-burning plants on the lakefront in Cleveland and nearby Eastlake emit warm water that draws fish and rare gulls and ducks during the cold weather months. Akron-based FirstEnergy Corp. announced in August it was cutting back operations only to times of heavier power demand.

Avian education specialist Jim McCormac with the Ohio Division of Wildlife has called the plants "ecotourism magnets" that draw birders from throughout the Midwest. He tells The Plain Dealer the shutdowns are "a real bummer."

Wayne Ritchie has fished near the Eastlake plant for more than 40 years and says the change will "mess up" anglers.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.